The Magnificent Marshmallow Company
Until I picked up a box from The Magnificent Marshmallow Company, I’d never really understood the appeal of marshmallows. Weren’t they just foamy, sugary lumps with no real flavour? But after trying the real thing, I’m hooked.
I was at The Stone Food & Drink Festival when I spotted The Magnificent Marshmallow Company. I knew that small producers were marshmallow making these days, although I’d never actually tried any of them. Like most people, I’d eaten Flumps and similar marshmallow confections as a child. I’ll occasionally have mini ones on a hot chocolate in a cafe, although only because they’re there. But other than that the world of marshmallows was a mystery to me.
However, on a rather rainy morning, The Magnificent Marshmallow Company stall looked extremely inviting with its multi-coloured boxes piled up. So, why not have a taste? 
SERIOUSLY ADDICTIVE
To be honest, I’d have to say I was more curious than champing at the bit to try the marshmallows. After all, sugary foam is sugary foam, right? Wrong!
First off, I had a taste of Cheeky Cherry. Then Orange & Choc. Then Peppermint Choc Chip. You can see where this is going, can’t you? Yep, I ended up tasting them all. If only I’d read the warning on the packaging first: ‘OPEN WITH CARE: We are seriously addictive!’
All of the marshmallows had real flavour, with the essence of the fruit or oil coming through cleanly and clearly. I found the texture to be a revelation. Yes, the soft, squidgy bounce you’d expect was there. But there was so much more pleasure to be had than in those sad, floppy Flumps. The inside of the marshmallows were silky with just the right amount of stickiness. The outside had a lovely contrasting crustiness that you just don’t get with the mass produced variety.
Hard-pressed to choose which flavour to buy, I plumped for Bumper Blueberry. I loved the combination of squidgy sweetness and little bursts of earthy fruitiness from the blueberries.
THE MAGNIFICENT MARSHMALLOW COMPANY
Now I’ve learnt more about The Magnificent Marshmallow Company, it’s not surprising that I found their product so good. Handmade in small batches using traditional methods with fruits, oils and only natural flavourings, these were nothing like any marshmallow I’d ever had before.
Based in the Lake District, they started out making marshmallows for friends but have now been in business for five years. You’ll find The Magnificent Marshmallow Company at food festivals, markets, artisan events and selected stores. You can also buy from their online shop where I’m very pleased to see they also produce a Carnival Coconut flavour (if you’ve read much on this blog, you’ll know I’m mad about coconut).
